Family Time: For your cat's sake, pledge not to scrap

Tuesday

Feb 22, 2011 at 12:01 AMFeb 22, 2011 at 10:13 PM

Weekly family rail, with cat-feeding tips, a review of a St. Patrick’s Day book and more.

Tip of the Week

While most pet lovers have good intentions when caring for their feline friends, there are still misconceptions as to what are considered healthy choices, particularly when it comes to feeding their cats. According to a survey conducted by the markers of 9Lives cat food, nearly 50 percent of all feline pet parents admit to feeding their cats table scraps. This common, innocent misstep can lead to difficulties when it comes to a cat's nutritional well-being. Here are a few tips to keep cats fit:

- Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding your cat is a common mistake and can be extremely dangerous, according to Dr. Molly Williams of Hayden Meadows Pet Clinic in Portland, Ore. "It is important to follow the feeding guidelines and nutritional information on the side of your food bag, but also monitor weight changes in your cat when evaluating these recommended feeding instructions," says Williams.

- Incorporate exercise: It may be beneficial to make an exercise schedule for your cat and make sure she is getting an appropriate amount of daily exercise for her weight. "A fun tip I like to recommend is scattering your cat's food at different stations around the house. It encourages the cat to work for her food, and gives her some exercise in the process," says Williams.

- Frequent veterinary visits: "Obesity is one of most common nutritional issues seen in cats," says Williams. Many times, pet parents are unaware that their cat may be slowly gaining weight or be at risk for obesity. It is crucial for cats to have regular veterinarian check-ups to keep them on the right nutritional track.

- ARA

Family Screening Room

“I Am Number Four”

Rated: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and for language)

Length: 110 minutes

Synopsis: Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. - Walt Disney Pictures

Violence/scary rating: 4

Sexual-content rating: 2

Profanity rating: 2.5

Drugs/alcohol rating: 2

Family Time rating: 3. This is a decent movie for teenagers; younger ones likely will find the violence and action too much.

(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)

Book Report

“Finn McCool and the Great Fish,” by Eve Bunting (author) and Zachary Pullen (illustrator)

Ages: 4-8

Pages: 32

Synopsis: Finn McCool is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He’s a fierce warrior, even beating the giant Culcullan and saving Ireland from the Scots. Helpful and kind, he helps the farmers bring in the hay. And everyone in the village of Drumnahoon admires him. “He’s the best-hearted man that ever walked on Ireland’s green grass.” But for all his strength, courage, and goodness, there’s one thing that Finn lacks. He’s just not smart. And he knows it. When a wise man living in a nearby village tells Finn about a magical red salmon with the wisdom of the world, Finn sets out to catch the fish. And he learns a thing or two about himself in the process. - Sleeping Bear Press

Did You Know

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm say that children who eat lots of fruits and vegetables don’t have a lower risk of developing allergies, as some previously thought.

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